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Reviewed: 03 June 2011, 15:20 NZDT
Still current at:
22 May 2013
There is high risk to your security in the department of Peten (including the tourist site of Tikal) in the north of Guatemala due to an increase in violent drug and gang related crime. On 16 May 2011 the government of Guatemala declared a 30 day state of siege in the northern department of Peten, following the murder of 27 people near La Libertad. During the siege government security forces will have increased powers to conduct security operations and we advise against all tourist and non‑essential travel there.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Guatemala due to violent crime and incidents of civil unrest and you should exercise a high degree of caution.
There are high levels of violent crime in Guatemala including armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and murder. There have been reports of armed robbery and bus/carjackings, affecting tourists on a number of routes including the road to and from the international airport in Guatemala City. There have also been reports of “express kidnappings”, where individuals are forced to withdraw funds from automatic teller machines (ATMs) to secure their release. Travel on public buses should be avoided for security reasons and we recommend you avoid travelling or walking alone and at night. New Zealanders in Guatemala should remain vigilant and exercise a high degree of caution at all times, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations including Tikal, Peten, Antigua, Volcan de Pacaya, Lake Atitlan and the department of Izabal.
Protests and demonstrations including strike action and roadblocks are common in Guatemala and have the potential to turn violent with little notice. We recommend you avoid large gatherings, monitor the local media for updated security information and follow any instructions issued by authorities.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Guatemala should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Guatemala are encouraged to register their details online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Contact details are
Street Address Jaime Balmes No 8, 4th Floor, Los Morales, Polanco, Mexico D.F. 11510
Telephone +52 55 5283 9460 Facsimile +52 55 5283 9480
Email kiwimexico@prodigy.net.mx
Website http://www.nzembassy.com/mexico
Office hours Mon - Fri 0930 - 1400, 1500 - 1700 hrs
Contact details are
Address 13 Calle 7-71, Zona 10, Guatemala City 01010, Guatemala
Telephone +502 2431 1705 / +502 2433 2405 / +502 2433 4386
Facsimile +502 2334 8202
Email kiwiguatemala@gmail.com
